HORRIBLE APPOINTMENT WITH OBSTETRICIAN (SORRY VERY LONG)

[loopyredangel]

I have had a horrible day. Went to see my consultant first visit since pregnant again. I had massive problems with my pelvis since having my first child, and was advised I would need a c-section the next time I became pregnant. Bearing that and my problems with pelvis in mind we decided to have another baby. Well he lectured me today said I should be fine to have a normal delivery as nothing will happen to my pelvis, and if the baby gets stuck they can simply cut all the ligaments of my symphasis(basically split my pelvis completely) spend 3 weeks in bed with a pillow between my legs and then do lots of walking!!!!! He gave me the option that if I have a c-section there is a chance I can die!!!!!!!!!! NOw I just feel like shit, and feel like I just don't want the baby the now (I feel so bad for saying that). The consultant has not realised what has happened in the past 2 years since having my first DS, and I told him to get my records and read them and look at the x-rays, he said he can but he's not an orthapaedic consultant and wouldn't know what he was looking at. He also said that my pain consultant is only an anaethestist and not an obstetrician and should not be saying I need a c-section!!! I told him he should look at the past 2 years then make his recommendations - all he is worried about and told us so was being hauled through the courts if something goes wrong with c-section - doesn't seem to be bothered I will end up crippled after having a normal delivery though!!! What a *%££" arse!!!!! Well, he said it's okay we can build you back together!!!!!!!!!! I am only 20weeks into my pregnancy and won't be enjoying the rest for fear of what is going to happen to me!!

didn't realise you'd had a c/s first time

the NICE guidelines are discussed on [http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=1365&threadid=342289&stamp=070622172550 this]] thread

maternal preference should be considered next time as to whether to go VBAC or c/s, so he had no right to tell you that you HAVE to have a VBAC

PS yes there's a risk that you could die from a c/s, in fact there's a risk you could die from pregnancy/ natural labour too, but it's VERY VERY rare with the level of medical care we have in this country, he is trying to scare you unnecessarily

I had my first baby at the Countess by emergency section - it was very traumatic for various reasons and I was told that there was no problem with my having an elective section next time around even though there was no physical reason why i needed one. This consultantant sounds like an arse. ask for a different consultant to be assigned and insist that you want a c-section.
I had my second baby at Arrowe Park and had no issue getting a section (again purely for emotional reasons) they have to tell you all the risks but shouldn't be trying to terrify you into a decision.

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your support, my head has been up and down not knowing what to do for the best, I phoned my pain clinic and unfortunately the hospital doesn't do joint appointments! I go back to see the pain consultant in September so I will speak to him then, tried to get a second opinion at Nuffield only to be put through to Countess, secretary asked if I would like to say anything to the consultant who is supposed to be looking after me, I said no and I don't want to see him again, so she told me when I go to clinic next time to ask to see the other consultant!
THank you all so much - I thought I had gone back in time to the dark ages!

MMmm. Glad you got reasonably helpful secretary, and sorry to reopen this for you when you must be feeling so battered, but I would still suggest going for a formal second opinion via your GP now, as Murphy's Law says that on the day of your next appt, there will only be one consultant there and it will be Laughing Boy again. By that time you will be 38 weeks and it could be a bit late to get anything else arranged.

Also your GP could at least send a copy of your pain consultant's report to the consultant (both or either one) plus you could ask for a copy of it.

Sorry but I really recommend you don't rely on an informal arrangement at this stage. Sorry.

Second opinion must happen formally through GP I think? Sorry to keep pressing you but I think we would all like you to get another opinion because the planned procedure really sounds such a bad idea, and even if it really is the best possible option you could at least discuss it with another consultant a bit more.

Sounds like he went to the same Charm School as my obs consultant... Take no notice and get a second opinion - keep pushing for what YOU want.

Wasn't Mr Williams by any chance was it?? If you get the chance, go with Mr McCormack, he's lovely and rather dishy too! I did part of my midwifery training at the countess before I decided not to continue.